NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called on Georgia to consolidate democratic reforms as the Black Sea country seeks to join the Euro-Atlantic alliance.
During a press conference in Tbilisi, together with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO's promise to accept Tbilisi as a full ally once it meets the membership criteria.
"NATO stands by you as you continue on your path to a stronger democracy and full Euro-Atlantic integration, including the decision in Bucharest in 2008 that Georgia would become a member of the Alliance," he said.
At the 2008 summit in the Romanian capital Bucharest, NATO leaders offered Georgia the prospect of integration without putting it on the path to formal membership.
"It is important that Georgia continues to strengthen domestic reforms, democratic values and the rule of law, including through free and fair parliamentary elections this October," Stoltenberg added.
The Georgian government is facing growing international criticism over its alleged retreat from democracy.
Stoltenberg also said that "Georgia faces complex security challenges" in the face of Russia's "imperial ambitions".
Membership of NATO and the European Union is enshrined in the country's constitution and is supported - according to opinion polls - by around 80% of the population. / BGNES
